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DIA Leadership Committee takes flight

With the official consolidation of the former DIA Partnership into the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC) on January 1, 2008, the newly formed DIA Leadership Committee (DIAL) is working to advance the economic potential of Denver International Airport (DIA) as well as to promote aviation-related job growth in the Metro Denver region.

An operating committee of the Metro Denver EDC, DIAL held its first meeting Wednesday, February 13. Under the leadership of Chair John Beeble, president and CEO of Saunders Construction, Inc., DIAL will serve as a business advisory and support group to DIA and the region's aviation industry.

"DIAL will work to develop a deeper connection between the business community and the airport, helping surface key issues regarding transportation access and development in the DIA corridor," explained Beeble. "DIAL members have identified international flight development as a major initiative in 2008, with an Asian flight as our top priority."  

To set the stage for the Asian flight initiative, Metro Denver EDC Executive Vice President Tom Clark traveled with Denver City Council President Michael Hancock and DIA staff to Japan earlier this month to meet with airlines and companies interested in establishing a daily flight to Tokyo. In fall 2007, state of Colorado and tourism officials visited Japan to begin state marketing initiatives.

DIAL’s six major work plan initiatives for 2008 include:

  • Support the growth and development of DIA and international flights to meet the region’s future travel demand and expand DIA’s reputation as a preeminent global hub airport.
  • Identify and seek opportunities for aviation-related business and job growth to benefit the regional economy.
  • Encourage a DIA Green Corridor by promoting sustainable project opportunities and incentives.
  • Access and transportation improvements, including the FasTracks connection to DIA.
  • Educate and inform the public and business community on the importance of DIA.
  • Recruit and retain membership in DIAL.


"The growing role of globalization is increasingly affecting company relocation and investment decisions," said Clark. "One of the top location criteria today is being within 60 minutes of an international airport. DIA is the region’s top economic engine and by capitalizing on its potential, we have tremendous opportunity to grow our regional economy." 

Former DIA Partnership staff member Moné Duarte-Tucker has joined the Metro Denver EDC staff as DIA Leadership Marketing and Program Administrator and Mary Rose Loney, former president and CEO of the Partnership, will serve as a consultant to DIAL.

DIAL is planning several events in the upcoming months, including a business community welcome reception for DIA’s new Manager of Aviation, Kim Day and a fall 2008 Airport Leadership Trip.

For more information on DIAL, visit www.metrodenver.org/DIAL or contact Moné Duarte-Tucker at 303.620.8088.


Helpful links:

» Aviation Industry Overview
» Air Transportation